Playlist  - Every Breath You Take by The Police

Luna

A dichotomy of uproar stirred inside my belly, it rumbled with anticipation. I had to see Ares and tell him about the incident, but if I told him before his final school game then it would just mess with his head. 

It would be best suited if I told him about this strange phone call after his game. I needed him to be  headspace during his game because if this call turned out to be nothing but a farce, then I would be responsible for his distorted headspace during the game. 

A stadium had already started to fill up, because people from both the rival schools and towns were in attendance. This was a big game. 

“Hey,  goody-two shoes. How are you doing?” I came face to face with Gabriella Potter,  Ares’s friend. She was in her blue and yellow cheerleader outfit. 

I forced a smile. “I am doing well. You certainly look amazing.” 

She bloomed at my comment. “I really do, don't I?” I smiled and nodded at her enthusiasm. “Your boyfriend is pumped up for the game. I've never seen him so determined to get a trophy.” 

“Championship title could do that to you,” I chuckled, nervously. An awkward silence fell around us and I was the first to excuse myself from further small talks. “Good luck to you. I'll go join my friends.” 

When I was about to stride away from Gabby, she grabbed my elbow, stopping me from taking another step. 

“Hey, I forgot. You're supposed to sit with the cheerleaders. Ares had specifically ordered me to keep you with us.” 

Spend the duration of the game with a bunch of too good for anybody girls? No way. I wasn't going to get myself stuck with them.  

I slipped out of her hold. “Oh, no. I'll prefer sitting with my classmates today. Thanks for the offer, I'll handle Ares if he disapproves.” Not giving her any chance to drag me away with her, I strode away. 

“Good save,” I whispered to myself, hand on my chest. 

I spotted my classmates Angela, Noah, Travis and a few others along with Jenna, in their school mascot jerseys and suddenly I felt out of place, because here I was in the first hoodie that I saw on my bedroom floor, plain jeans. 

I wasn't dressed for the festivities and felt absolutely terrible for it. I should be cheering for my boyfriend rather than moping in fright. 

And the horrible girlfriend award goes to you, Luna. 

It was somewhat strange watching Jenna mix with my crowd. I guess, there was still some distaste for her somewhere inside my heart. Our feud was mostly one sided which made me a fool. 

I was so childish. 

My friends saw me and waved at me, signalling me to crash with them. I treaded towards their seats, but suddenly a body collided with mine. 

“Damn!”

“Oops… ow.” 

I had nearly missed my footing. The person whom I collided with saved me from rolling down the stadium stairs. 

“I am so sorry.” A sweet, feminine voice apologised. “Are you alright? I wasn't looking where I was going.” 

I came face to face with a familiar face. It was the sparkling blue eyes hidden behind thick glasses that caught my attention. Same copper hair and reddened face. 

She was the same girl who had the guts to dismiss my boyfriend's behaviour that day in the classroom. 

Shit. I don’t know her name. 

“Are you hurt?” We both held onto each other's arms, falling back into balance. 

I shook my head. “I am fine. You…?” 

“Fine.” 

We pulled apart. She had her hair in a long, luscious french braid. Her modest clothing told me that she wasn't used to the scenario around her. The girl looked like a lamb caught in the pack of wolves. 

“Aren't you in my chemistry class?” I asked her. I wanted to be blunt and ask her if she was that girl who had told Ares to ‘scarm.’ Oh, yeah. I remember the words. 

Turns out, appearance could be deceptive. “We have been studying together since elementary school, Luna. I gave you my biology notes last year.” The girl straightened her back and crossed her arms. 

I was speechless. “Uhm… I” My ability to make myself look like an idiot in front of people was really underrated. 

“Save it. It's not a big deal. I am just mad at myself.” 

I frowned at her words. I want to be polite to her because something tells me that she really needs to not be by herself right now. 

She looks at me quizzical, when I give her my best smile and extend my hand forward. “I would like nothing more than to start over with you. Hi, I am Luna. Nice to meet you.” 

It's her turn to frown now, but she reluctantly shakes my hand. “I am Astoria. Sorry for acting like bitch earlier to you.” 

“Astoria, huh.” The name rings a few bells in my head, but I can't seem to place it anywhere in my memories. “Why don't you join me and my friends to watch this game,” I offered. 

She says nothing and I begin to think that she'll turn me down when she nods her head, smiling. 

“Sure, why not.” 

I smiled at her warmly and led the way over to the bleachers. Everyone greeted with nonchalance, except Jenna. In fact, Jenna made it apparent to us that she was purposely ignoring Astoria’s presence.

My eyes back and forth, watching both girls intently. Astoria didn't meet Jenna’s eyes, but I could feel the unfaltering energy passing between them. Something fishy had transpired between them, I was sure of it. 

But why would Jenna radiate much hostility with Astoria around? It wasn’t like Jenna to hold unnecessary grudges, and Astoria barely knew any of us despite being in most of our classes. 

It seems as if…. 

My eyes nearly popped out of their socket, my eyes snapping to meet Astoria’s face. She couldn't be… No way she was with him. 

I gulped and tried to recall the name of Axel’s girl. What was it? It rhymed with the word ‘vittoria’ if I wasn’t wrong. Oh, what on earth. 

Whom am I kidding? This girl who looked so out of place was only here to watch her boyfriend's soccer game and I won't be surprised if she's the reason why Axel discarded Jenna and Charlotte aside. No wonder, Jenna is shooting death glares at her. 

Oh, shit!

I calmed my erratic nerves down which were threatening to shoot spikes of what…? I have no freaking idea, but I think I'll pass out from the incomprehensible revelation that I made on my own. 

I was sure my face had an oddly nonchalant cover in it, because Astoria was eyeing suspiciously. 

“Why don't we sit at the back?” I don't give her the chance to respond. I turn to friends and inform them that I'll be crashing on seats right behind them with Astoria. 

I grabbed her hand and sat down just a little far away from Jenna’s line of vision and hearing. 

“You’re suddenly acting strange.” Astoria noticed the change in my aura. “Is something wrong?” 

I shook my head a little too much. “Not at all. I am just nervous and excited for the game.” 

“Yeah, me too.” She nodded. “So you're with the team captain, right? Does he still behave like an asshole?” She didn't give me a chance to answer. “Never mind. I know the answer to it.”

I jumped straight to defend Ares. “I don't think you should make assumptions about a person you barely know.” 

Her mouth formed an ‘o,’ she was taken off guard by my blunt reply. 

“I-I am s-sorry,” she apologized. “That was very unkind of me. Please don't mind what I just said.” 

“It's alright, but don't do it again.” 

“Understood.” She folded her hands and righted her glasses. 

I decided to maneuver the topic in a different direction. “How come you stay in the shadows all the time? There's no way anyone can miss a beauty like you, especially the boys.” 

Just tell me that Axel kept you hidden from all of us.  

She blinked, blushing slightly. “Please, you're embarrassing me.” I laughed. “I had friends in elementary school, but then in high school everything just changed.” She snapped her finger in response to her statement. “Just like that.” 

“Like how?” 

“I wish I knew. It's not normal to become nothing more than a shadow to my classmates. It's hurtful.” 

I frowned. I felt a little terrible and responsible for it. If only I had known her earlier… 

“Well, now I know you and I think we can be friends.” She blinked and said nothing. “If you want to.” I chuckled nervously. 

She bursted into a grin. “Oh, you should've seen your face,” she giggled. “That was funny.” 

I stared at her, dumbfounded. “Haha.” I made a laughing sound which made her crack a little more. 

“That was a sweet offer, Luna,” she said, after calming down. “I think I'd like to be your friend.” 

I tucked a hair behind my ear, smiling. “Yeah.” 

We chat and wait for the game to begin. Despite getting her engaged in a conversation, there's still something at the back of my mind that's itching to ask her about Axel. 

When I felt the perfect opportunity arise, I didn't hesitate to finally ask her what I'd been dying to know. 

“How do you knowAxel?” She stiffened at my words. “He's your boyfriend, right?” I omit the word ‘fiancé’ from my sentence.  

“Oh, my God.” She practically shrieks. “Why did you say that?” She sounds a little annoyed. 

“Well, he told me.” I shocked her and myself. 

She's just as shocked as me. “What?!” 

“Well, Ares and Axel are very close friends so yeah, I know about it.” 

“I can’t believe that idiot.” I heard Astoria mumble the words to herself, furiously. “Luna, listen to me carefully. Axel and I are friends and friends alone. There's absolutely nothing romantic about our friendship.” 

My resolve screamed at me to get her to stop lying to me, because why would Axel buy her a ring--no, several rings, if they were remotely seriously in love with each other. 

“I have a hard time believing you, Astoria. Although I absolutely have no ounce of respect for that guy, from what I've seen; Axel is crazy about you.” I raised my hand to stop her from saying anything. “Why else would you be here if it was not to support him?” 

“To support my childhood friend, duh!” Her eyes narrowed at me. “Why is it a protocol that only player girlfriends are allowed to support and cheer them? 

I remained silent. She was right, I guess. It was perfectly fine for a friend to support their friend. BUT-- I couldn't turn away from all the clues in front of me which clearly contradicts her claims. 

Axel vocally expressed his love for Astoria to both me and Ares. Jenna, Axel’s ex-girlfriend, was throwing deathly glares at Astoria, every now and then. No way this girl was telling me the truth. 

I figured it wasn't my job to meddle in everyone's life. I had meddled enough in the past and that was absolute shit. Astoria was a big girl, she could deal with Axel when he showed up at her doorsteps with engagement rings and an attitude. 

I was deep in my thoughts, my attention focused on it. Astoria misunderstood my silence, because next she was apologizing to me. 

“I am sorry for my outburst. It wasn’t my intention to upset you.” She sat back on her seat, her shoulders slumped. “I am just going through some things of my own.” 

“First thing, you don't need to apologise to me for anything.” I nudged her elbow as a sign of truce between us. “I understand what you must be feeling right now. I am going through some things of my own too and it's not looking good.” 

She turned her face to mine and tied me, quizzical. “I find it tough to believe that someone so perfect like you is going through anything stressful.” 

Perfect, seriously? 

I chuckled. “Well, I am no perfect human. I can guarantee you that.” 

Astoria shook her head at my words. We both concentrated on the game in front of us. It was supposed to begin soon. The cheerleaders were currently getting into their respective positions. 

The place was now filled with a deep buzz of excited and nervous energy. Both the rival schools and town were together here. This game was a matter of pride to many. Every second would be nothing more than intense. 

I was excited. My boyfriend would be leading an entire team by himself. I wanted nothing more than to see how magnificent he appeared in his soccer attire. I'll happily steal his jersey as a reminder of this very game. 

***

The game has begun. 

I had kept my eyes firm on Ares the entire time. They followed each and everyone of his effortless movements. He moved so fluidly and quickly. I wasn't sure how his own teammates kept up with him. 

He was excellent. Beyond fabulous. 

I was constantly screaming on top of my lungs for him. I even recorded him. Astoria next to me did the same, but she was more focused on Axel. That's understandable. 

“They're freaking amazing,” Astoria said, amazed. “Did you see that?” 

She was beguiled. Her words only enhanced the love and adoration she carried for Axel. Whether she was lying to me or denying her own feelings, it was apparent that she was in love with Axel. 

Because Axel was nothing, but a whole dull energy throughout the first half of the game. 

We were now tied with the rival team. It was 1-1 and the second half would cement the winning school. I was praying for Ares’s victory. 

The cheerleaders were now on the field. I glanced at Astoria who looked a little pale in comparison to before. I immediately grew concerned. 

“Hey, are you okay?” I placed a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t look good.” 

“I am fine.” 

The sooner the words left her mouth, she made a retching sound and clutched her hand over her mouth. Oh, shit. This does not look good for her.

Within a flash, she sprinted away. I stood frozen in place, contemplating whether I should chase behind her or stay and watch the game. 

“Damn it!” 

I followed behind her. She was near a dark alcove of the arena, away from any peering eyes. Another retch left her mouth and she spilled all the contents from her stomach. I tried not to be grossed at it's sight. 

With some strength, I held her hair behind her head, patted her back. 

“It's fine. This happens.” 

“No, it doesn't happen normally,” she cried, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I can’t keep up with the false presence.” Tears filled her eyes. 

I was confused and felt as if I was invading her personal moment. 

“I think I might be pregnant, Luna.” 

*** 
We won the game against the Eagles. Phoenix won. 

Well, I didn't get to witness their winning goal, I learned that bit of information from the gushing crowd. I had learned that the winning hit was made by Chase. 

That was a bummer. Are is anyway taking the title and the trophy home, then I guess, it doesn't make a difference to me. 

Oh, I had also discovered that Astoria was pregnant. And, yeah, it was Axel’s baby. The day was going pretty smoothly. 

My problems were yet to be dealt with and it looks like I've somehow managed to get myself involved in Astoria’s havoc. I had tried my best to console her, tried to convince her that maybe it was probably just a stomach bug. 

She hadn't taken the test yet so there was a big chance that she was fretting over nothing. 

I took hold of her hand and sashayed my way over to where Gabriella stood with her cheerleader peers. 

“Hey, Gabby,” I called out for her. She slowly turned around, eyebrows raised in curiosity when she noticed there was Astoria trailing behind me. 

“Hey… Luna.” A hand on her hip, her eyes intently studied Astoria. “Who's that with you?” 

I kept my attitude callous. “A friend. And congratulations on the win. You were amazing with all your moves, especially that jump in the beginning.” I tried baiting her with praise to get her off my case. 

She nodded her head, jumping up and down. “I know, right. I can't believe this is the last time I'll be doing this.” 

I nodded my head with her. “Hey, where is Ares?” 

“Oh, I last saw him with Chase, I think.” 

Oh, great. “Okay.” 

“I should warn you, Luna, he was not happy with you. He had expected you to be near the stands with the rest of us.” 

“Oh, I'll deal with him. Thanks for your help.” 

I went on a search for him, pulling a very reluctant Astoria along with me. He wasn't there on the field, then maybe he had gone home. The thought immediately made me upset. He couldn't be that pissed with me. 

On cue, my phone tinged. I fished it out of my pocket to check it. 

Lose the girl. 

It read. My head whipped around to see whether he was watching me or had me watched by someone. Ares was nowhere to be found so I was sure there was someone keeping an eye for me. 

I immediately texted back. 

I can't… She's not doing well. 

The response came in no time. 

Do it and come meet in the parking lot. 

God. He was so stubborn sometimes. I couldn't just leave Astoria alone, she was very vulnerable at the moment. My eyes met hers-- full with sympathy. 

“Your boyfriend wants to get rid of me?” The girl read my thoughts. I nodded, biting my lip because I had nothing more to offer. Her hand slacked against mine and fell from my grip. “Go to him. I don't need you to babysit me. I am fine on my own.” 

“I am sorry. My boyfriend can be an asshole sometimes.” 

“Sometimes. Hmm… are you sure?” She attempted to lighten up the mood. 

I snorted, rolling my eyes. “Most of the time.” 

“There you go.” 

My legs were unmoving. I didn't want to leave her alone with the wolves. “Please, text me when you get home.” I gave her my number. “I'll have some peace of mind knowing you're okay.”

She gave me a small smile. “I will.” 

With slow, hesitant steps, I left her alone and went to the parking lot where Ares had demanded me to be. I wordlessly searched for any sign of his BMW. He had to be there. 

A hand clamped on my mouth and I was roughly pulled into a hard, sweaty body. Fear crawled inside me before I realised that the touch was possessive and familiar. The hand left my mouth and I was whipped around to come face to face with Ares. 

His jaw was clenched, expression fuming. He had me trapped with his arms caging me. Instinctively, my fingers travelled to clutch his biceps. 

“Give me one good reason why you weren't where I had wanted you to be during my game?” There was no doubt that he was pissed off. 

“I have a good reason for it.” 

“You better start talking then.” 

He walked me backwards until my back hit the hood of a car. His grip on my waist. I was lifted up and pushed on top of the car hood. On their own accord, my legs wrapped around his torso. 

“I will if you stop acting like a madman for a second.” My palms cradled his face. He was still very much angry, but I could see he was trying to calm himself down. 

My voice tore up even before I could get a proper syllable out of my mouth. “A-Ares.” I couldn't hold it any longer. The fear had settled in the pit of my stomach. 

Ares went from being angry to worried within nanoseconds. A flash of panic crossed his facial expression. 

“Sweetheart, tell me what's wrong.” Sheer concern was etched in his voice. His thumb wiped circled over cheek while he had my nape firm in his hold, caressing it.

“I got a really odd phone call today. It happened after I reached home.” I finally geared up the strength to tell him everything. He silently listened to everything I had to say. Nodding, his eyes never once leaving my face. 

“I didn’t want to throw you off your game, that's why I chose to sit separately. I knew if you took one glance at me, you'd know there was something wrong and that would just ruin your mindset,” I explained. “I am sorry.”

His forehead came to rest against mine, eyes closed. He didn't say anything. His actions did all the work. With a chaste kiss dropped on my temple, he hugged me closely. My head rested on his chest, his heartbeat putting me at ease. 

“You have nothing to worry about. I know who made that call to you,” he said, after a long stretch of silence. 

I lifted my head to look at him. “What?” I asked, because it wasn't ordinary for him to know who made that call to me. Unless, it was an ex. 

“You may not like it if I told you who made that call to you with the intention of breaking us off.” His jaw tightened and nostrils flared. 

“Who was it?” 

“My sister.”